Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule, has sworn in Hon. Justice Aisha Bashir Aliyu as the acting Chief Judge of the state.
She is the first female acting Chief Judge to be appointed since the creation of the state.
Engineer Sule performed the swearing in ceremony of the new acting Chief Judge, at a ceremony at the Government House, on Thursday.
The Governor who administered the oath of office and allegiance on the new acting CJ, said her appointment followed the retirement of the former CJ, Justice Suleiman Dikko on Dec. 31, having attained the retirement age of 65.
The Governor said he approved the appointment of Justice Aisha Bashir Aliyu as the acting Chief Judge, in fulfilment of constitutional obligation, following the recommendation of the Nasarawa State Judicial Service Commission, in compliance with the provision of Section 271 (1).
He added that the swearing in of the acting Chief Judge, the first time the state is having a female acting Chief Judge, was also in line with relevant constitutional provision aimed at enduring sanity and stability in the judiciary.
Engineer Sule explained that while the process for the confirmation is being pursued with the State House of Assembly, it has become necessary to swear-in the appointee, the most senior High Court Judge, in order for her to perform the functions of the Chief Judge of the state.
The Governor pointed out that with the judiciary being the repository of the tenets of democracy and rule of law, as well as being critical to the development of the state, his administration has continued to accord it priority attention, to enable it meet its objectives.
While congratulating the appointee, Engineer Sule urged her to bring her wealth of experience to bear in the discharge of her new responsibility.
“You must always remember that as head of the Judicial Arm of Government, you are the symbol of fairness, equity, justice and objectivity which is the hallmark that civilised society yearns for at all times,” he stated.
The Governor expressed appreciation for the huge turnout of family members, eminent personalities and creme-de-la-creme of the judiciary both within and outside the state that came to witness the epoch making event.
In a vote of thanks, the newly sworn in acting Chief Judge, thanked the Governor for finding her worthy of the appointment, based on the recommendation of the NSJC.
Hon. Justice Aisha Bashir Aliyu, congratulated the retired CJ for his successful service to the state and wished him well in his future endeavours.
She also appealed to the Governor to increase the monthly subvention of the state judiciary, to enable it address its numerous challenges, assuring that she would discharge her duties, without fear or favour, and in accordance with the law.
